Over the years, the Republic of Congo has seen a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded loss in 2016 at over 114,000 hectares. The following years have seen a decrease in loss, yet the numbers remain significant. The net change in tree cover reflects a loss of approximately 331,682 hectares when accounting for gains from reforestation and natural regeneration.
The loss of tree cover has implications not only for the environment but also for the carbon emissions of the country. The data indicates that millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent have been emitted as a result of the tree cover loss, with shifting agriculture being the leading cause of these emissions.
As the Republic of Congo continues to face these environmental challenges, the latest fire incident in Plateaux serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat to the nation's forests and the need for continued vigilance and sustainable management practices.
